1. Landscape Maintenance: The Residential Owners Association (ROA) and Commercial Owners Association (COA) recognize that part of their responsibilities are to protect residential property values and make sure that Northwest Landing is a desirable place for businesses to locate in the future. The Associations have agreed to work together for the remainder of 2013 to clean-up some of the high visibility areas of Northwest Landing that have been unattended due to City budget cutbacks.
The ROA recognized the potential fire hazard of the overgrown, dry grass along their fence line between Haskell and Palisade and along Edmond Village. The Board felt it was prudent to address the concern before it became a larger issue. The areas the Associations intend to focus on over the next few months include Center Drive from I-5 to DuPont-Steilacoom Road, the City-owned parks at McNeil and Garry Oaks and McNeil and Jensen, along with the “downtown” corridor along Wilmington, between Center Drive and Palisade Boulevard and Ross Loop, including Ross Plaza.
The City wishes to thank the ROA and COA for their partnership and generous efforts in maintaining these areas of DuPont!
2. Bear Sighting Information
On Monday, July 15th at approximately 12:50 PM there was a bear sighting on Sequalitchew Creek Trail. The trail was temporarily closed the remainder of the day but reopened the next morning. On Tuesday, July 16th at approximately 5:00 PM there was a second sighting on the trail. The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (DFW) were contacted on both occasions. Public Works has posted signs at City Hall, on the trail access fencing and at the Wellness Garden, warning the public of the presence of the bear. Officer Prater from DFW placed a bear trap along the North wood line of The Home Course. As there have been no bear sightings since Tuesday, DFW removed the trap today.
The DuPont Police Department would like to remind all community members to be cautious on all trails and in the general area due to continuous bear sightings in DuPont this year. They also provide the following items to consider:
- Bears normally travel at night. They are typically not a danger to the public, although it is never safe to approach a bear. PLEASE STAY AWAY.
- Safety precautions include removing bird feeders and storing all pet food inside.
- Bears have been known to get into garbage cans. If possible, store your garbage inside. If that is not possible, as a preventative measure, spraying ammonia or bleach on your garbage cans may deter the bear.
- For further information, please contract the regional office of the Department of Fish and Wildlife at (360) 249-4628or visit their website at wdfw.wa.gov.
- Don’t forget – if you have an emergency, dial 911.
3. Upcoming Meetings – Week of July 22nd – 26th
- Planning Agency meeting scheduled for Monday, July 22nd has been cancelled.
- City Council Meeting Tuesday, July 23rd at 7:00 PM
4. Council Agenda Items – July 23rd, 2013
- Presentation: Recognition of Colonel Kevin Burk – 6th CID Commander
- Appointment: Civil Service Commission
- Consent Agenda Items: Claims Vouchers
- Public Hearing: Transportation Improvement Program Update
- Discussion: DuPont-Steilacoom Road Level of Service Briefing
- New Business: Resolution Adopting Transportation Improvement Program Update; Second Quarter Budget Adjustment Ordinance – 1st Reading
* Council Agenda Packet is available on the City’s website.
5. CalPortland North Parcel Mining Public Hearing
The DuPont Hearing Examiner will hold a public hearing on July 25, 2013 at 9:00 AM to take testimony on a Type III site plan application for CalPortland North Parcel mining. The Public Hearing will be continued until July 26, 2013 if necessary. The Public Hearing Notice and related materials are available on the City’s website.
6. Sign Code Amendment Public Hearing
The Planning Agency will hold a public hearing on August 12, 2013 at 7:00 PM to take testimony and make a recommendation on an application from Duke Realty to amend the DuPont Municipal Code, Chapter 25.116, regarding signs. The Public Hearing Notice, Staff Report and Exhibits are available at City Hall and on the City’s website.
7. Community Development Update
- Sequalitchew Creek/Edmond Marsh Restoration Plan – There will be a public meeting to discuss the draft Restoration Plan on Tuesday, August 27th from 5:00 – 6:30 PM at DuPont City Hall. Materials on the restoration planning process are on the City’s website.
- Hilton Home 2 Suites Hotel – On July 12, 2013 a preapplication was submitted for a 130 room hotel on a 2.4 acre site next to McDonalds.
8. National Night Out Block Parties
This year’s date for National Night Out 2013 is Tuesday, August 6th. It is not too late to start planning your neighborhood block party. Plan an afternoon or evening party with family, friends and neighbors and the DuPont Police and Fire Departments will make every effort to attend. This is a great opportunity to get better acquainted with your neighbors, as well as get to know your police officers and firefighters and get your public safety questions answered. National Night Out is designed to heighten crime and drug prevention awareness, and strengthen neighborhood spirit and public safety-community partnerships. To get more information or arrange a time for us to arrive at your event, please contact Claire Keller-Scholz at (253) 964-8414 and join America’s Night Out Against Crime!
9. DuPont Fire Level of Service on Pierce County News
The DuPont Fire Department short-term staffing stabilization is currently featured on Pierce County News. It is available for viewing on Comcast Channel 22 or online at the following link:
10. AmeriCorps Vista Volunteer Position Opening
The DuPont Fire Department has received notification that is has been awarded an AmeriCorps grant for another year. This grant will provide a person to work in the area of disaster preparedness in DuPont, coordinate with our regional partners, and act as the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Coordinator for the City. The position starts September 1, 2013 and runs through July 15, 2014. The CERT Coordinator will work 40 hours per week and receive a monthly stipend, in addition to basic AmeriCorps health benefits and an Education Award for a successfully completed term of service. We are very excited to be awarded a grant for this position as it will allow the Fire Department to better prepare the citizens of DuPont, our schools, and our businesses to be ready for disaster situations that may arise. The current AmeriCorps member working at the Fire Department, Claire Keller-Scholz, will finish her term on July 31, 2013.
The City is now recruiting and accepting applications for this full-time position. The position duties, benefits, terms, service areas, and required skills can be found at DuPont Vista Volunteer. For more information please contact Human Resources Manager Bernadette Moreland at (253) 912-5212 or bmoreland@dupontwa.gov.
11. Fire Danger During Hot, Dry Weather
The warm summer season is now upon us and as the green spaces and forested areas are drying out the fire danger is moving to a high level. We would like to remind residents that burning is not allowed on public property. This includes the trails and beaches along Puget Sound, where the danger of fire burning up the banks and into the residential areas is high during the summer months. Please use extra caution and help us keep DuPont safe!
12. City Seeking EMS Volunteers
DuPont is currently accepting applications for motivated and career-minded EMS volunteers. The City of DuPont Fire Department is looking for volunteer EMS Reserves to help staff the Aid Car, assisting with patient care and transport. The reserves will be EMT’s who will supplement our career staff and help enable the fire engine to stay in DuPont and staffed during transport situations. Currently there are fewer private ambulance transport units available to the citizens in DuPont due to growing demand in other areas of the county which absorbs the use of Rural Metro and AMR.
DuPont Fire is looking for Washington State certified EMT’s who will work a minimum of three 12 or 24 hour shifts per month. Reserve EMT’s are volunteers who will be supplied with uniforms. A small stipend is available. They will not participate in suppression activities due to the high cost of uniforms, equipment and training. For more information, please contact the Fire Station at (253) 964-8414.
13. Hudson Bay Day & Salmon BBQ
Mark your calendars for Sunday, August 25th for Hudson Bay Day and Salmon BBQ at the DuPont Fire Department, across the street from the original 1843 Hudson Bay Fort Nisqually Site. This free event is being held from Noon – 4:00 PMand features live music, kids activities, historical demonstrations, reenactors, a tribal blessing and more! Historian Drew Crooks will take guided tours to the original 1843 Fort site and visitors can view Ezra Meeker’s covered wagon and talk with Buffalo Soldiers. There will be a salmon BBQ on-site with adult meals at $15 and kids for $5. Hot dog meals will also be available.
The Hudson Bay Day is proudly sponsored by the DuPont Historical Society and the DuPont Tourism Board. The 1843 Fort Nisqually site is open to the public courtesy of the Archeology Conservancy. For more information call DuPont Museum Coordinator Linda Cumberbatch at (253) 964-2399 or (253) 882-5942 or visit www.dupontmuseum.com.
14. Parks & Recreation
Please call (253) 912-5245 or go to the City’s website at www.ci.dupont.wa.us for registration information, questions on Parks & Recreation activities, or for volunteer opportunities. Want to know more? Like us on Facebook at “City of DuPont Parks, Recreation & Tourism”.
- Outdoor Summer Yoga – Enjoy our beautiful summer and exercise at the same time. Our outdoor summer yoga series run July 24th thru August 28th at Robinson Park (next to the Community Center – 303 Barksdale Avenue). The fee to participate is $48 for a 6 week session. If rain makes an appearance, classes will be moved to the Community Center. Registration information is available on the City’s website.
- Music at the Clock – Join your friends and family on Wednesday, August 7th for Music at the Clock at Clocktower Park. This free event is proudly sponsored by Northwest Landing ROA and all are welcome to attend. This year’s entertainment is the Beatniks, a local band who has played for thousands of fans. Enjoy music from the 60’s, 70’s and 80’s! Be sure to bring the entire family. The DuPont Lions are firing up the BBQ for $1 hotdogs and $2 burgers. Questions? Please contact Northwest Landing ROA at (253) 964-1289.
- WA State Junior Golf Championships – The Home Course is proudly hosting the 2013 Washington Junior Golf Championships July 31st thru August 2nd. Participants from throughout the State of Washington will be participating in this event. Admission to this championship event is free. Information can be found at www.wjga.net.
- Calling All Local Businesses – The City of DuPont and The Home Course are proud to welcome the Washington Junior Golf Championships. We are welcoming 252 players and families from July 31st thru August 2nd. We are in the process of creating welcome bags for the families and are extending the invitation for businesses to add flyers, menus, coupons, etc. If you would like to participate, please have your contribution to City Hall no later than 4:00 PM on Friday, July 26th. Our volunteer committee will happily stuff and deliver the welcome bags. Don’t miss out on this great advertising opportunity!
- Summer Camp Info – Be sure to check out our summer camp programs for all ages at www.dupontwa.gov. Camps include baseball, volleyball, art, karate, golf and several others. Camps are strategically scheduled to occur throughout the summer. There is a special summer camp information table set up at City Hall with registration information available. We hope your kids can join the fun!
- Parks & Recreation Newsletter – Want to know about upcoming events and programs hosted by the City of DuPont Parks & Recreation? Join our email distribution list! We are committed to the highest level of communication with upcoming programs. Don’t miss another registration deadline. To join, simply text DUPONTREC to 22828. Watch for email updates in your inbox every Monday.
Visit our website for information on other programs and events including Karate, Yoga, Track, Kidz Love Soccer, Dance4Life, and more!
15. DuPont Museum Open House
Immerse yourself in history at the DuPont Museum Open House on Saturday, August 24th from 9:30 AM – 3:00 PM. Come to DuPont’s Historic Village for an old-fashioned ice cream social, fiddlin’ music by the Tune Tamers, and tours of the DuPont Museum and a former DuPont Company town home. The Museum is located at 207 Barksdale Avenue. For more information, please contact Dorothy Wilhelm at (253) 582-4565 or Dorothy@itsnevertoolate.com.
16. Tips for Treating Aphids
As summer progresses and our recent warm weather hangs around, we’re starting to hear more concerns about insect pest problems bothering trees, shrubs, and other ornamental plants. “Why are the leaves of my trees shiny and sticky? Everything underneath them gets to sticky – what’s wrong with them?” One major insect “offender” is aphids. Aphids are often a perennial problem (come back each year) on some types of plants when the weather warms and there has been little or no rain for usually a week or so.
Knowledge of your adversary can give you a tactical advantage in your yard and garden confrontations. Aphids are soft-bodied insects which feed on plants by piercing leaves, stems, or twigs and then sucking out the plant sap. They often suck out more sap than they can use and secrete the excess as a sticky waste called “honeydew”. Honeydew is mostly sugar and water and isn’t harmful. This sticky goo may be eaten by other insects, or a black mold may grow on it. This black mold, called sooty mold, is not harmful to the plants.
While the City often hears “when will the City be spraying again?” the City does not spray trees for aphids. What we believe initiates the “control” of aphids each year is a rainfall after warm weather or the end of the aphid life-cycle (usually 3 weeks or less). While we all know our sunshine does not last forever, and that the clouds and rainfall will reoccur and provide a natural control, there are also some other fairly innocuous methods that are available for control of the aphids and sticky residue.
- First look for other signs of natural control. Aphids have a number of natural enemies – ladybird beetles and their larvae, green lacewings, small parasitic wasps, syrphid fly larvae, predacious stink bugs, and assassin bugs. If you’re able to find evidence that these natural enemies are present and working, don’t do anything unless the aphid population appears to be beyond their control.
- Dislodge aphids with a fine but forceful spray of water from your hose. Be sure to move the spray back and forth as well as directing it towards the undersides of the leaves. This will kill some aphids and many will not make it back to the plant. Repeat this every several days. This method of control may not be recommended for smaller or tender plants. A spray bottle with mildly soapy water is often best for these smaller plants.
- On some plants you can simply wipe aphids off of plant stems or buds. However, you may want to wear a pair of garden gloves to do this, especially with roses. Snip off badly infested braches or stem tips.
- Avoid fertilizing your plants with too much nitrogen. Soft, lush growth encouraged by excess nitrogen is exactly the type of growth that aphids thrive upon.
Aphids can be pesky, but a little knowledge about how they behave and how to safely manage their populations can lead to a truce in your yard and garden.
Last year a local resident coordinated a program with a tree service to provide a discounted rate for aphid tree spraying. She is once again looking into this service. Stay tuned for additional details.
17. Hudson Bay Day Volksmarch
The Over the Hill Gang is sponsoring a Volksmarch in conjunction with the Annual Hudson Bay Day on Sunday, August 25th. This event is free and family-friendly. Volksmarchers will walk through the Historic Village (5K – 10K). Maps and signs will tell the story of life in the DuPont Company Town and will include a stop at the DuPont Museum. Sign-in is from9:00 AM – Noon at the DuPont Fire Department (1780 Civic Drive). Walkers must be finished by 3:00 PM. For more information about the Volksmarch, call Jerry Williams at (253) 320-8600.
18. Coyote Warning
Coyotes have recently been spotted and heard in several areas around the city. If you spot a coyote, do not approach the animal. They have not been known to attack people, but they can be aggressive with and will kill small animals. The following tips might prove useful if you are walking your family pet or have them outside at your home:
- If you are walking in a wooded area with your pet, keep them on leash at all times and close to you. Using a retractable lease is not advised.
- If you own a cat, please do not let it outside of your yard. Create a cat-friendly enclosure if you want your cat to be able to enjoy the outdoors in safety. Cat fences are easily installed and keep your cat in and trouble out. Cats, whether used to being outdoors alone or not, are no match for a coyote or even a raccoon.
- DO NOT leave pet food outside your house for your pets even if you have a fenced backyard. Wild animals will find it an easy meal and will be more likely to stick around when such eats are made so readily available.
- Do not leave your garage door partially open for your cat to come and go at all hours of the day or night. An open garage can invite wild critters to come and look for a place to hide or find food. Whether raccoon or coyote, these animals can spell a tragic end to your house pet if your pet is allowed to roam freely.
19. Steilacoom Farmers’ Market & Concert Series
The Steilacoom Farmers’ Market is officially open and will run each Wednesday through August 28th. The market is open from 3:00 – 7:00 PM and runs in conjunction with the Steilacoom Concerts in the Park which start at 6:30 PM each Wednesday. Fresh produce, flowers, cheese, baked goods (including gluten-free) and a variety of specialty foods and crafts will be offered. For weekly “fresh finds at the market” updates please follow the market on Facebook or join the mailing list at www.steilacoomfarmersmarket.
The next concert of the series will be on Wednesday, July 24th and will feature the Latin guitar music of David Correa and Cascada. The concerts are held at Pioneer Park, 1700 Commercial Street. In the event of inclement weather the alternate location is the Steilacoom Community Center, 2301 Worthington Street. No alcoholic beverages are allowed. The series is sponsored by the Town of Steilacoom and the MTC Group. For more concert information please call (253) 581-1076.